March 9, 2017. - During a meeting with Cuban Ambassador Mario Alzugaray, Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick confirmed her city's interest in promoting closer ties with Cuba. The meeting took place within the framework of the celebration of the Aotearoa Cuba Festival, an event that brings together core representation of Cuban music and dance in New Zealand.
The local leader expressed her admiration for the cooperation projects developed by Cuba in the Pacific Islands and urged the Cuban diplomat to explore new opportunities in order to promote triangular collaboration programs involving her country.
Labor leader with more than a decade of experience as a member of the New Zealand Parliament, Chadwick has been mayor of Rotorua since October 2013, having won her second term in the regional elections of October 2016.
The city of Rotorua, located in the Bay of Plenty Region, is one of the main tourist attractions in New Zealand, famous for its geothermal activity, the existence of numerous geysers and an important Maori cultural heritage.